Apparatus for stacking, singulating, and dispensing pliable food products and methods therefor

US8894347B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Kraft Foods Group Brands LLC · US

Inventors

• Mark E. Malenke · Sun Prairie, US
• Gary S. Rusch · Kaukauna, US
• Tod W. Heleniak · Green Bay, US
• Brian Adamski · Edgerton, US
• Larry D. Wierschke · Green Bay, US
• Scott A. Adler · Green Bay, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 1, 2009
• Grant date: Nov 25, 2014
• Expiry date: Oct 12, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65H2701/1718
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An apparatus for handling food products comprises an alignment trough disposed at an incline for holding a stack of the food products at an incline. The alignment trough defines a portion of a passage upon which the food products travel. The stack defines a bottom food product. At least one movable member extends into the passage to control the separation of the bottom food product from the remainder of the stack by moving to provide clearance for the food product to pass.